To the WestWhen you say that we are a cultured people, you actually mean that we understand the subtleties and complexities of your culture. You mean that we should dream your dreams, since you do not have or acknowledge any others, but that we should live our own lives, since we cannot have yours.

From Ivo Andric’s Black Notebook, Belgrade,1948

HOPE

IS

THE

GREATEST

WHORE

VOLUME

01

I KA

KNEžEVIC´

HOPE

ISTHE

GREATESTWHORE

A 74.5-kg ( ), 5.2-m ( )

( )

SirensAntonín DvorákRusalka, Op. 114 (1900)

She returns to her place in the depths as a demon of death.

VOICES

Siren Rusalka, Princess,Wood Sprite I and II

(sopranos)

Wood Sprite III(mezzo-soprano)

Witch, Duchess(contraltos)

Cookie (boy soprano)

The Prince (tenor)

Gamekeeper, Hunter (baritones)

Water Goblin (bass)

Chorus

ORCHESTRA

Woodwinds2 flutes, 2 oboes, piccolo, English horn, 2 clarinets, brass clarinet, 2 bassoons

Brass4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba

Percussiontimpani, bass drum, cymbals, tam-tam,

triangle

Stringsharp, harmonium, violins I, violins II,

violas, cellos, double basses

1

1

The problem with History is that it rarely admits those who are not invited, or late to dinner—whatever the circumstance. History has a secret sense of bon ton. If you do arrive late, you have to know exactly what History likes, its sweet teeth, and sensibilities. You must bring History a most exquisite dessert, one it will enjoy without having ever tasted it before. Bring the dessert to an open window at the dinner party. Once History smells it, the door will swing wide open.

Koh DOUGH6 eggs4 spoons of sugar1 vanilla bean (scrape the pulp out)12 spoons of fine grits1 lemon’s zest

MILK13 dl of milk4 spoons of honey1 vanilla bean (scrape the pulp out)

egg whites and whip them until stiff peaks form. Keep whipping as you add sugar spoon by spoon, and vanilla pulp. Reduce the mixing speed and add the yolks, one by one, the lemon zest, and lastly grits spoon by spoon. Butter the baking dish and sprinkle evenly with flour. Pour the whipped mass into an baking dish approximately 42 x 24 x 6 cm in size. Bake the koh until it browns.

While the koh is baking, heat the milk, honey, and vanilla pulp until the milk dis-solves the honey completely. You may add any extra spices at this point (ground nutmeg, tea leaves, espresso). Pour over the koh after it is done baking and cool in the fridge for at least 12 hours.

Koh should be fully submerged and have the time to absorb the liquid completely. It is best to make koh one day in advance. Serve it cold in shallow bowls, cut into cubes, with some of the remaining milk over it.

Cleaning CLEANING SOLUTION

1 part white vinegar2 parts cold water

RINSING SOLUTION2 - 6 drops of non-alkaline dish detergent 1 cup cold water

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES12 clean white towels cold water3 spray bottles

Pour the cleaning solution, the water and the rinsing solution into the spray bottles. Be sure to blot the blood stain, not rub it, as this will only push the stain further into the carpet fibers. Spray the stain with cold water. Blot again to remove as much ofthe stain as possible. Spray a small amount of cleaning solution on the stain. Blot with a clean towel until the stain no longer stays on the cloth. Change your towel often or use a clean section of the towel to be sure not to spread the stain. Repeat until the stain is no longer noticeable. Spray with rinsing solution. Blot with a clean towel to remove. Spray with water. Blot with clean towel. Repeat to be sure all cleaning solution has been removed. Cover the stain with a clean towel and place a heavy weight on top. Leave for several hours so that towels canabsorb any remaining liquid. Remove weights and towels to let the area air dry. When spot has dried completely, vacuum thoroughly to restore the texture of your oriental carpet.

Digging SUPPLIES1 crate of ripe tangerines1 bowl or pot for the tangerines

Clean your hands and place the tangerines in the bowl. Organize the top layer of tangerines to form a human face. Make sure that two tangerines are where the eye sockets should be. Those are the eyes. Lift the bowl by the sides with both hands placing the thumbs on the “eye” tangerines. Hold the bowl and dig into the tangerines with your thumbs as hard as you can. Once you have pierced them through, inspect your work and juice them.

To the WestWhen you say that we are a cultured people, you actually mean that we understand the subtleties and complexities of your culture. You mean that we should dream your dreams, since you do not have or acknowledge any others, but that we should live our own lives, since we cannot have yours.

From Ivo Andric’s Black Notebook, Belgrade,1948

HOPE

IS

THE

GREATEST

WHORE

VOLUME

01

I KA

KNEžEVIC´

HOPE

ISTHE

GREATESTWHORE